Information for Students for the CKP

The purpose of the Certificate of Knowledge in Policing (CKP) is to equip students with the underpinning knowledge and understanding elements of the full Pre-Join Curriculum and for them to attain accreditation of their learning through the CKP. Successful achievement will enable students to transfer this externally recognised national qualification to forces as evidence of the knowledge component for their Diploma in Policing.

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Achieving the CKP through a provider approved by the College of Policing will allow you to submit this as evidence of the knowledge component of the Diploma in Policing, which forms part of the Initial Police Learning and Development Programme (IPLDP).

All Awarding Organisations offering the Diploma in Policing recognise and accept the relationship between the CKP and the Diploma.

There are changes to the Police Constable Entry Routes being implemented as part of the Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF) with forces starting to use the following entry routes:

Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)

Degree Holder Entry Programme

A pre-join Degree in Policing

More information can be found on our Policing Education Qualification Frameworkpage about the entry routes. The very latest information on force recruitment and current entry requirements can be found on individual force websites.

Having the CKP is, and will remain to be, evidence of having a level 3 qualification in its own right which in itself is not time bound. CKP is a Level 3 qualification that may form an appropriate consideration toward any requirement for entrants to hold a level 3 qualification, i.e. it meets the requirement specified within Police Regulations for entrants to hold a Level 3 qualification, and this will continue to apply to the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) entry route.

How does the CKP course work?

The CKP is a modular qualification, made up of 10 units at Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework. It involves approximately 290 hours of study, of which 80 - 100 hours are directed learning and the rest are made up of home study.

It is assessed through a mixture of methods. A range of delivery options are available, including full-time, part-time, evenings only, weekends only and distance learning.

What will I learn on the CKP course?

The CKP gives you an understanding of policing and police law, and enables you to demonstrate some of the critical decision-making skills required for the job. It covers a wide range of subjects in the following National Policing Curriculum categories:

Ensuring public safety

Protecting vulnerable people

Preventing and reducing crime

Maximising information and intelligence

Conducting investigations

Supporting victims

Communication, Ethics and integrity, Evidence based policing, Leadership and management

Does the CKP guarantee me entry to the police?

Successful achievement of the CKP does not guarantee recruitment as a trainee police constable. However, it does show a dedication to joining the police, and is relevant to other roles in the criminal justice sector.

In addition to this, anyone thinking of studying for the CKP needs to consider the new entry routes being introduced to policing. More information on these entry routes can be found on our Policing Education Qualification Framework page.

Every police force in England and Wales sets its own recruitment process and selection policy, and entry requirements vary from force to force. To check your eligibility you must check the force website, this will assist you in deciding whether to undertake the CKP course or submit an application for the role of a police constable, please use our pre-application questionnaire.

Please note that all candidates need to pass medical and fitness tests as well as background and security checks, and must undertake a series of assessments, tests and an interview at a Police SEARCH® assessment centre.

Where can I enrol for a CKP course?

You can achieve the CKP at various educational centres across the country.

The College of Policing has introduced an Approved Provider scheme to ensure that all providers are suitable and have the necessary rigour in both teaching and assessment. Contact the providers on our Pre-Join Approved Providers list to establish course suitability, availability and fees.

Can the College of Policing recommend a course?

We are unable to recommend any individual courses.

How much does the CKP qualification cost?

The cost will vary, please contact individual providers or view their websites for actual costs. Funding may be available via providers in some circumstances, to enquire about any available funding please contact individual providers.

CKP materials online

The Managed Learning Environment (MLE) is an online system which provides all learners with access to key learning resources which enables the students to reinforce their learning following the classroom teaching, they are an integral part of the Pre-Join Programme and include e-learning packages and student notes which are fully maintained. This will enable learners to keep up to date with any changes, especially during the period of time between recruitment and employment.

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